Finnish Kale Casserole

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) kale, stems removed and chopped 500g (1.1 lb) kale, stems removed and chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 200g (1 cup) rice 200g (1 cup) rice
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground meat (beef or pork) 500g (1.1 lb) ground meat (beef or pork)
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 500ml (2 cups) milk 500ml (2 cups) milk
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• Butter or oil for greasing Butter or oil for greasing

Nutrition

• Calories: 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (Sugar: 4g)
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chopped kale and blanch for 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, heat some butter or oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned. Season with salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and allspice.
5. 5.
   In a separate pot, cook the rice according to package instructions until tender.
6. 6.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Add the cooked rice, sautéed kale, and ground meat mixture. Mix well to combine.
7. 7.
   Grease a baking dish with butter or oil. Pour the mixture into the dish and smooth the top.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Kale — Make sure to remove the tough stems before chopping. Blanching the kale helps retain its vibrant green color and slightly softens the leaves.
• Ground meat — Choose either beef or pork, depending on your preference. Make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole mixture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with plant-based ground meat alternatives.
• Add a sprinkle of grated cheese on top before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
• Serve the casserole with lingonberry jam or cranberry sauce for a traditional Finnish accompaniment.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for an equally delicious meal.
• Experiment with different spices like paprika or thyme to customize the flavor to your liking.

Serving advice

Serve the Finnish Kale Casserole hot, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a side of lingonberry jam or cranberry sauce. Add a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Presentation advice

To present the Finnish Kale Casserole, scoop it onto individual plates or serve it family-style in a large baking dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dusting of paprika for an appealing touch. The golden brown top and vibrant green kale will make for an inviting and appetizing presentation.